In a remarkable blend of robotics engineering, artificial intelligence, and humor, a Chinese humanoid robot has made its mark in the Guinness World Records by walking over 100 kilometers across urban and highway terrain. The robot, Agibot A2, completed a 106.286-kilometer journey over nearly three days in Shanghai, setting the record for the longest distance ever walked by a humanoid machine.
This achievement, confirmed this month by Guinness World Records (GWR), highlights China’s growing efforts in robotics and suggests future uses in logistics, mobility, manufacturing, and consumer services. It also showcased the robot’s endurance, balance, and navigation skills—qualities that have long posed challenges in developing commercially viable humanoid robots.
A Three-Day Trek Across Cities and Highways
According to the Guinness World Records listing, Agibot A2 began its walk on the evening of November 10, starting in Suzhou, a major city in eastern China known for manufacturing and technology. The humanoid walked continuously, except for safe operational pauses, navigating highways, city streets, changing weather, different terrains, and varying light conditions.
After nearly 72 hours, the robot reached its destination: the famous Bund waterfront area in central Shanghai, arriving on November 13 after walking exactly 106.286 kilometers. Videos of the robot’s journey circulated widely online, drawing attention to its stable, human-like walk and ability to manage complex environments without falling.
Guinness officials noted that the achievement “marks a significant breakthrough for the Agibot A2 robot,” particularly because the robot used was not a special prototype but a standard commercial model identical to those sent to customers.
A Robot Built for Endurance
The record attempt was carefully planned; engineers spent months preparing the robot’s stability and durability for this challenge. Between April and May 2025, the Agibot team conducted hundreds of hours of continuous testing, refining the robot’s balance systems to reduce falls or mechanical strain during long walks.
On August 17, the A2 also completed an intense 24-hour continuous walk in nearly 40°C temperatures, serving as a precursor to the longer Guinness attempt. This demonstration was broadcast live, showcasing the robot’s endurance.
The Agibot A2 stands 5.74 feet tall and weighs about 55 kilograms. It is designed for low power use, biomechanically efficient walking, and modular hardware that helps it stay stable even as its battery level changes.
During the record-setting walk, the robot relied on various sensors, including dual GPS modules, lidar, and infrared depth cameras. These systems worked together to create real-time 3D maps of its surroundings, allowing the robot to recognize obstacles, adapt to changing light, and avoid hazards.
AI-Powered Sensing and Autonomous Navigation
Agibot’s creators highlight the A2’s built-in AI sensing capabilities as key to its successful long-distance walk. The robot can process text, audio, and visual information, and its sensors enable it to assess terrain, detect pedestrians and vehicles, and adjust its course without human help.
The company noted that no customized hardware was added for the Guinness challenge—this was emphasized to show the stability of their mass-produced system. Only the route planning and monitoring systems were set up externally to ensure safety and adherence to local regulations for autonomous machines in public spaces.
This achievement indicates that humanoid robots are increasingly capable of tackling real-world situations rather than just performing controlled tests in labs.
A Brief Conversation – and a Joke – at the Finish Line
In a lighthearted moment that quickly went viral, Agibot A2 engaged with reporters after finishing its journey. When asked about its experience, the robot described the trek as a “memorable experience” in its “machine life.”
The robot also made a joke that caught global attention: “I think I might need a new pair of shoes now.”
Creators confirmed that while the robot doesn’t actually wear shoes, components on its foot pads showed normal wear after the long walk. They explained that this comment was programmed but triggered automatically based on the situation, showcasing the robot’s conversational skills.
More Than Just Walking: What the Robot Can Really Do
While the 100-km walk has become the highlight of Agibot A2’s public image, the company wants to stress that walking is only one of its capabilities. The robot is designed to perform several commercial functions, including:
- Multilingual conversation and customer interaction
- Facial recognition and memory recall
- Autonomous guiding in public venues
- Package delivery and logistics tasks
- Safety monitoring and route assistance
With strong balance control, long battery life, and adaptable movement, the robot is well-suited for retail environments, industrial sites, hospitals, and smart cities.
“Walking from Suzhou to Shanghai can be tough for many people in one stretch, yet the robot accomplished it,” the company said in a statement to the Global Times. They added that this success reflects improvements in durability, energy efficiency, and navigation – essential for real-world use.
A Milestone Moment in China’s Robotics Race
China has heavily invested in humanoid robotics in recent years, with government initiatives encouraging companies to seek breakthroughs in smart manufacturing, automation, and AI-driven robotics.
Agibot A2’s Guinness World Record comes as China increases competition with global players like Boston Dynamics, Tesla (with its Optimus robot), and Figure AI. While many humanoid systems focus on skillful manipulation or learning autonomy, China’s industry has prioritized cost, scalability, and readiness for deployment.
By using a standard commercial model – rather than a specially enhanced version – Agibot’s team signals that mass-produced humanoid robots may soon be available in mainstream markets.
Implications for the Future: From Walking to Working
Experts note that long-distance walking isn’t just a publicity stunt. It marks a significant step in solving challenges that have kept robots from operating in unpredictable human spaces. For humanoids to become practical service workers, they must stay stable during long shifts, react safely to unexpected changes, and navigate crowded areas without error.
Agibot A2’s successful 106-km trek demonstrates:
- Mechanical reliability over time
- Precise control of walking and balance
- Advanced energy management systems
- Strong environmental awareness
- Effective AI decision-making
These factors bring humanoid robots closer to real-world commercial roles-from warehouse workers to service agents to mobility helpers.
A Journey That Signals the Road Ahead
The Agibot A2’s record-setting walk is more than a technological feat; it signals that humanoid robots are moving from futuristic ideas to usable tools. With the right mix of endurance, intelligence, and affordability, humanoid systems may soon be found in everyday settings, not just as experimental models but as valuable contributors to society.
For now, Agibot A2’s historic journey stands as a milestone-and a surprisingly charming one at that. After all, how many robots can set a world record, complete a 100-km walk, and finish with a joke about needing new shoes?
